Amber's letter

Contact information

If you would like to volunteer at the Children's Hospital, contact Jane Morrow, volunteer services director, at (701) 323-6011.

Many people from several different communities across central North Dakota used their time and talents to support Amber's Dream'the transformation of the Sanford Children's Hospital. These are little stories about these kind souls who have donated blankets, books, money and more.

Tabitha

11-year-old Tabitha Reichenberg, Center, is a former Sanford Health patient who has been a big cheerleader for Amber's Dream. Tabitha, wanting to raise funds for Amber's Dream, decided that her best option to get her school involved would be to run for student council so she could take her ideas to her fellow students. She lost the election by one point, however, the student council was so impressed with her ideas, they made an exception and asked her to join the student council anyway. She went to work immediately. First on her list, was to get the student council to give $1 of the admission fee to the Red Ribbon Week Halloween party which was held for all Center-Stanton fourth, fifth and sixth graders. Next, she encouraged the placement of large coin jars in each classroom so kids and teachers could fill them with their spare change. Many of those jars have now been emptied at least once and are being refilled a second or even third time. All change will be donated to Amber's Dream. According to Tabitha, "'It's awesome to make Amber's Dream come true."'

Landon

Landon Phillips is an asthma superhero. His family had T-shirts designed with superheroes and asthma in mind. The quote on the back of the shirt, "'Standing in God's Hope and Grace,"' is what his family and friends strive for everyday. The shirts are being sold for $12 with all proceeds being donated to Ambers Dream. "'With everything the Children's Hospital has done for Landon, this is the least we can do—not only to honor Landon but Amber as well,"' said Erin Kading, Landon's mom.

Rebecca

For Rebecca Sue Schmidt's birthday this year, she asked her friends if they would help her with her birthday book drive. In lieu of presents, she asked them to bring children's books for Amber's Dream. Her friends loved the project, donating five beautifully decorated bags full of books for the Children's Hospital. A note, attached to the bags, read, "'Hope you enjoy reading these books! We enjoyed picking them out. From the Kidder County Steele Sixth Grade Girls."'

Southport Loop and Bayview Court
The Southport Loop and Bayview Court neighborhoods in south Bismarck held a book drive and social on in December 2009 and gathered 70 fascinating books for Amber's Dream. These books will add to the library planned for the Sanford Children's Hospital.

Laurie Edinger

On a cold and rainy October evening, nearly 100 guests showed up to try on Lia Sophia necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings. This party was coordinated by Lia Sophia Advisor Laurie Edinger; Pam Des Roches, Amber’s mom; and Lia Sophia Manager LuAnn McCrory. Once the ladies were inside, they were greeted by 15 hostesses, hors d'œuvres, wines, desserts, coffee and hot apple cider. The party, hosted at the Brady Martz Business Center, generated commission totals of $1,815 which Edinger generously donated to Amber’s Dream.

The Eye Center of the Dakotas

The Eye Center of the Dakotas with Drs. Tim Tello, Robert Nordstrom and Danelle Moch held a fundraising promotion pledging $50 for each frame purchased to Amber's Dream. Patients and customers at the clinic were informed of the benefit. Sales led to the donation of $1,650 to the transformation of the Children's Hospital.

EMC Insurance
The Bismarck branch of EMC Insurance Company's blanket brigade warmed up the Sanford Children's Hospital with more than 60 fleece blankets. Employees took fabric home, cut and tied it to create the warm and cheerful throws for each of the patient's rooms. The inspiration for the blanket brigade came because John Des Roches, Amber's dad, is a co-worker at EMC Insurance. The Company Wellness Committee added DVDs, books, trucks and dolls to the blankets donated to the Amber's Dream project.

Lori Quintus and Century High School family living classes
Lori Quintus and her family living classes, made up of Century High School juniors and seniors, wanted to be a part of the blanket brigade as well. They had so much fun making eight blankets for Amber's Dream that, when given the choice to have the next day as a free day or use it as a day to make more blankets, they chose to make more blankets. She said that many of the students currently attending Century knew Amber and all of them are so generous and giving. Due to their diligence, 16 more blankets were created for Amber's Dream.

Saxvik Elementary School
Another group that wanted to be a part of the blanket brigade was Saxvik Elementary School, who participated in making 28 blankets for local organizations, including the Sanford Children's Hospital. Katie Krukenberg, Social Worker at Saxvik Elementary, wanted to get the entire elementary school to get involved in a lesson that could teach that giving is as much fun as receiving. Instead of exchanging gifts this year, they made the blankets, gifting them to area charities.

Horizon Middle School
Since Horizon Middle School was the school that Amber was attending before she passed away, Doug Vanderpan, assistant principal, and 125 students who are members of Team Integrity, Team Discovery, Team Odyssey and Team Dream decided to become a part of the blanket brigade also. The four teams collectively created 57 tied blankets for Amber's Dream. The Horizon eighth grade Team Dream also raised enough funds to purchase a shooting star in Meddy Bear's Night Sky.

Project partners

"'Basin Electric's interest in supporting Amber's Dream really came easily to us,"' says Mike Eggl, Basin Electric senior vice president of external relations and communications. "'Our annual St. Baldrick's fund-raising event honors Amber each year, and when we heard about her vision for the hospital, we and surrounding electric cooperatives wanted to help make it happen. To see Amber's vision take shape and touch the lives of our area children is really gratifying. After hearing her story and dream, I think everyone who has been involved with this process will carry a piece of her forever."'

When we first heard about Amber's Dream, we were inspired. What a worthy community project it is to honor a compassionate and gentle soul like Amber DesRoches with a magical retreat for sick children. That's why our community electric cooperatives joined together to make sure that Amber's Dream was a success by providing the lead gift in the Magical Adventure Playroom.

Nothing compares to the sight of children playing, especially those taking a break from the unfortunate reality of medical treatments and operations. Basin Electric Power Cooperative, Mor-Gran-Sou Electric Cooperative, Roughrider Electric Cooperative, KEM Electric Cooperative and Slope Electric Cooperative are honored to support this commitment to community and the memory of Amber DesRoches.